MBBS docs in Delhi must pass test to perform ultrasound, those who fail will be trained

Delhi government will conduct the test in two parts – the theory will happen about a month from the date of notification of the test and the practical will happen a month later.

The Delhi government will conduct tests for MBBS doctors performing ultrasound within the next couple of months. The doctors who fail the test will have to undergo a six-month training at a government approved institution.

Currently, around 20% of all doctors performing ultrasound fall under this category, meaning around 400 doctors will have to take the test in the coming months. (Getty Images)

The test will be held in two parts – the theory will happen about a month from the date of notification of the test and the practical will happen a month later.

The government has already recognised 12 centres for the training course, including hospitals like Safdarjung, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia and University College of Medical Sciences. Private hospitals like Sir Gangaram, Batra and Apollo have also been identified for the training course.

“The doctors who have specialised in radiology and radiodiagnosis should be performing ultrasound. For the MBBS doctors, the six-month training is actually mandated under PC-PNDT (six months training) rules,” said an official from Delhi government’s health department.

“But we haven’t been able to implement it as there were several petitions against the decision. Although, there are other cases pending, a Supreme Court decision on a PIL ordered the states to implement the Act,” the official added.

Currently, around 20% of all doctors performing ultrasound fall under this category, meaning around 400 doctors will have to take the test in the coming months.

“Radiologists study for three years to do diagnostic procedures like ultrasound, CT and MRi. How can someone who hasn’t been trained in it do a test? IRIA has always maintained that the six-month training must be made mandatory so that patients receive quality care,” said Dr OP Bansal, outgoing president of the India Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA).

According to him, most persons convicted in sex determination cases are non-radiologist. “Last year, we sent an RTI to all states in India and the data received suggested that in 87% of cases the person doing sex determination is not a radiologist,” he said.